French Defense – Part 1 – Best Beginner Chess Opening for Black

♕ ARTICLE: www.onlinechesslessons.net ♕ facebook.com ♕ twitter.com This is one of the most aggressive lines that white can employ against the French Defense, and I recommend black specialize in a commonly used set-up involving 3. …Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. f4!? c5 6. Nf3 Nc6 – leading to ample pressure against white’s big central pawns on the dark squares. Although black’s position is slightly cramped, it is very tenacious and well-coordinated. While there are other main lines involving early ideas with Qb6, I recommend to Keep It Simple and play for early queenside expansion with 7. …a6 and 8. …b5!? Depending on white’s response, black can continue with natural developing moves like …Bb7, …Be7, and …0-0 – typically planning to increase the tension against white’s center with a later …f6. Black is also maintaining excellent tension against white’s position with constant threats of …cxd4 and …b4. My advice for the less experienced player – Keep It Simple by finishing your development and castling to get your king safe before trying to open the position with the thematic break …f6. Interface used ICC: www.chessclub.com